If you’ve ever tried to lose a significant amount of weight, you know it’s rarely as straightforward as the old “calories in, calories out” approach. In truth, factors like your energy levels, appetite, stress, hormones, and metabolism all play a role in how easily—or how challenging—it is to shed excess body fat. When diet and exercise alone aren’t producing the results you want, medically supervised semaglutide injections may offer the additional support needed to reach a healthier weight.

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What Is Semaglutide?

Sold under brand names like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®, semaglutide is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and support long-term weight management. Available in both injectable and oral forms, it mimics a natural hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.

Semaglutide encourages your body to release more insulin when blood sugar is elevated. It also slows down digestion by reducing gastric motility, meaning food stays in your stomach longer—helping you feel fuller for a longer period. Because of these effects, it can be an effective tool for weight loss when used under medical supervision.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar to semaglutide, and is sold under the brand name Mounjaro®. FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide has also gained significant attention for its effectiveness in supporting weight loss. Its popularity stems from the way it influences key processes in the body, including appetite regulation, insulin response, and digestion—making it a powerful tool for those seeking to manage both blood sugar and body weight.

Can I Take a GLP-1 Medication if I Am Not Diabetic?

Although these medications were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, you don’t need to have diabetes to benefit from them. A 2021 randomized controlled trial found that semaglutide was highly effective in promoting weight loss in overweight and obese adults without diabetes. In addition to supporting weight management, it may also help reduce the risk of obesity-related health issues such as heart attack and stroke.

How Do I Use a GLP-1 Medication for Weight Loss?

Semaglutide and tirzepatide can be taken either by subcutaneous injection or in oral form, depending on the specific medication and individual needs. Dosages vary based on the brand and the person’s health profile. For chronic weight management, adults using medications like Wegovy® or Zepbound™ typically receive a 2.4 mg injection once a week. However, dosages may be adjusted as needed under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

What Should I Do if I Forget a Dose?

While the following guidelines can be useful, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider for personalized instructions.

If you miss a dose of Ozempic®, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s been more than five days. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
For Wegovy®, you can take a missed dose as long as your next scheduled injection is more than two days away. If it’s closer than that, skip the missed dose and stay on your regular dosing routine. Never take two injections to make up for a missed one.

Rybelsus® (oral semaglutide) works a bit differently. If you miss a tablet, do not take it later in the day. Simply skip the missed dose and take your next tablet at the usual time.
If you find it difficult to consistently take the oral form, switching to an injectable version may be a more convenient and effective option.

What Side Effects Can This Medication Cause?

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are generally safe and effective options for many people managing weight loss or type 2 diabetes. However, like all medications, they can cause side effects. Common ones include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, heartburn, constipation, and burping.

In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur and could require medical attention. Fortunately, most people experience only mild gastrointestinal symptoms that tend to improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.

What is the difference between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are both injectable medications used to manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss, but they differ in several important ways:

  • Mechanism of Action: Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, making it a dual agonist.
  • Effectiveness: Tirzepatide tends to be more effective, reducing A1c levels by about 2.0–2.4% compared to 1.5–1.8% with semaglutide. It also results in greater weight loss—typically 15–22% of body weight versus 10–15% with semaglutide.
  • Side Effects: Both drugs have similar gastrointestinal side effects, but tirzepatide is often better tolerated by patients.

Your healthcare provider can help determine which medication is better suited to your individual needs and health goals.